New Construction and Second-Home Restrictions

Why new-build second homes are restricted

Lex Weber was introduced specifically to stop the proliferation of new secondary residences in Swiss resort and mountain areas. Before the law, developers could build holiday apartments and chalets for sale to buyers who would use them as second homes. This created large numbers of "cold beds" — properties that were empty for most of the year — and drove up property prices for local residents.

The law prohibits new residential construction in restricted municipalities unless the resulting property will be used as a primary residence. A developer cannot build a new apartment in Montreux and sell it as a holiday home or investment property.

What can still be built

In restricted municipalities, new residential construction is permitted only for primary residences. Developers can build apartments and houses that will be sold to buyers who intend to live there as their primary domicile.

Lex Weber also permits a specific category of new construction: tourist accommodation (hébergement touristique). These are properties that are managed commercially and rented out to tourists for a minimum number of weeks per year. They are not private holiday homes — they are commercial hospitality assets. Hotels, serviced apartments and similar properties fall into this category.

Implications for buyers

Buyers seeking a new-build second home in Montreux will not find one. The new-build market in Montreux consists entirely of primary residence apartments. Buyers who want a secondary residence must purchase from the existing resale stock.

This is a significant market characteristic that distinguishes Montreux from many international resort markets where new-build holiday properties are regularly available. The absence of new supply is a structural feature of the Montreux market, not a temporary condition.

Renovation and extension of existing properties

While new secondary residences cannot be built, existing ones can be renovated and extended within the limits of planning permission. Owners can modernise their properties, add amenities and improve energy efficiency without triggering Lex Weber restrictions.

Extensions that increase the living area of an existing secondary residence are generally permitted, subject to planning approval. The Lex Weber size restrictions (200 sqm net living area for Lex Koller-authorised properties) apply to the authorisation conditions, not to Lex Weber itself.

Key points

• New-build second homes are prohibited in Lex Weber-restricted municipalities
• Montreux is a restricted municipality — no new secondary residences can be built
• New construction is limited to primary residences and tourist accommodation
• Buyers must purchase from the existing resale stock of secondary residences
• Existing secondary residences can be renovated and extended with planning permission